Looking for interior styling tips and secrets that go beyond the basic “add throw pillows” advice? If you’ve ever walked into a room in your home and felt something was missing – despite following all the traditional decorating rules – you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve spent countless hours scrolling through Pinterest and design blogs, only to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice or suggestions that seem to require an interior designer’s budget.
Here’s the truth: creating a designer-worthy space isn’t about following rigid rules or buying expensive pieces. It’s about understanding eight simple but powerful secrets that professional designers use in every successful room they create. These aren’t your typical styling tips – they’re the subtle yet transformative elements that make the difference between a room that’s “nice” and one that makes people stop in their tracks.
In this guide, I’ll share the eight essential interior styling tips and secrets elements that designers always include, but rarely talk about. Whether you’re decorating a cozy apartment or a spacious house, these secrets work for any space and budget. The best part? Once you know what they are, you’ll start spotting them in every beautifully designed room you see – and you’ll know exactly how to recreate that magic in your own home.
Ready to transform your space from “almost there” to “absolutely stunning”? Let’s dive into the eight secrets that will make your rooms look like they’ve been touched by a professional designer.
1. A Splash of Unexpected Color
Think of color like seasoning in cooking – a pinch of the right spice can transform an entire dish. The same principle applies in interior styling and design. While neutral rooms are beautiful, they often lack that magical element that makes people remember them. That’s where unexpected color comes in.
“It’s the fastest way to change a room—and make it a space that you truly love.” Says Dennis Sarlo, executive editor of Chairish
Professional designers know that the secret isn’t just adding any color – it’s about adding the right color in surprising places. Imagine walking into a sophisticated gray and white bedroom and discovering a stunning emerald green velvet chair in the corner. Or opening a pristine white kitchen cabinet to find the inside painted a vibrant coral.
Here’s how to master this designer secret:
- Start small: Test your color confidence with easily changeable items like throw pillows, art prints, or decorative boxes
- Think beyond accessories: Consider painting the inside of a bookshelf, the ceiling of a powder room, or the back of your front door
- Choose colors that have a personal connection – maybe that vibrant blue that reminds you of your favorite vacation spot
Pro tip: The most impactful unexpected color choices often break traditional color theory rules. Don’t be afraid to try unusual combinations.
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2. Something Old
Every room needs a soul, and nothing brings soul to a space quite like something with history. In my many years of designing homes, I’ve never seen a truly memorable room that didn’t include at least one vintage or antique element.
The key is understanding that “old” doesn’t necessarily mean “antique.” It could be:
- A weathered wooden stool passed down from your grandmother
- A vintage mirror found at a local flea market
- Even a contemporary piece made from reclaimed materials
The magic happens when you thoughtfully mix old pieces with modern elements. This creates what designers call “tension” – the perfect balance between old and new that keeps a room from feeling like a museum or a furniture showroom. Incorporating this idea into your interior styling tips can help you design spaces that feel both timeless and fresh.
Designer’s secret: Look for old pieces that show their age proudly. That perfectly imperfect patina? It’s worth its weight in gold when styling a room.
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3. The Grand Gesture (Overscale Piece)
Every great room needs a hero, and sometimes that hero needs to be larger than life. This is where the principle of the “grand gesture” comes into play – an oversized element that commands attention and anchors the space.
Let me bust a common myth: big pieces don’t make rooms feel smaller. In fact, one oversized item often makes a space feel larger and more purposeful than several smaller pieces. I’ve transformed countless small apartments with this very principle.
The key to making this work lies in strategic selection and placement:
- In living rooms: Consider an oversized art piece that spans two-thirds of your main wall
- For bedrooms: Try a dramatically large headboard that extends beyond the width of your bed
- In dining spaces: Look for a statement chandelier that feels almost too big for the space
Important note: When working with an oversized piece, remember this formula: make it 1.5 times bigger than what your instincts tell you. That’s usually where the magic happens.
The success of a grand gesture comes down to confidence. Your oversized piece should feel intentional, not accidental. Think of it like the bold lipstick of interior design – when you commit to it, it works.
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4. Something Shiny
Ever notice how candles seem to make every room feel more expensive? That’s the power of shine and reflection at work. But strategic sparkle goes far beyond candlelight. In my experience designing both residential and commercial spaces, the right amount of shine can double the perceived value of your styling efforts.
The secret lies in understanding the hierarchy of shine:
- High shine: Mirrors, polished metals, crystal
- Medium shine: Glazed ceramics, satin finishes, glass
- Subtle shine: Pearled finishes, weathered metals, silk fabrics
Think of shiny elements as the jewelry of your room. Just like you wouldn’t wear every piece of jewelry you own at once, you need to be strategic with shine. When applying these interior styling tips, the goal is to create subtle moments of light play throughout the space.
Designer’s rule of thumb: Place something shiny wherever you want to draw the eye. But remember – no more than three shiny elements in any single sightline.
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5. Something from the Outdoors
Of all the interior styling tips and secrets, this one is a favorite of mine. Nature is the world’s greatest designer, and bringing elements of the outdoors inside creates an instant connection that no manufactured piece can replicate. But this goes far beyond just adding a houseplant to your coffee table.
‘I think playing with different heights is really good too. Rather than use just one type of plant or foliage we use a variety in vases of heights and we often group things together.’ Says interior designer Sean Symington.
I’ve found that the most successful rooms incorporate natural elements in three distinct ways:
- Living elements: Plants, fresh flowers, branches
- Organic materials: Raw wood, stone, shells, feathers
- Nature-inspired patterns: Botanical prints, animal motifs, organic shapes
The key is to choose elements that feel authentic to your environment. Living in the desert? Embrace dried grasses and minerals. Coastal home? Weathered driftwood and sea glass create that perfect connection to the outdoors.
Pro secret: The most sophisticated rooms often feature natural elements in unexpected ways – think preserved moss inside a glass cloche, or a collection of beautiful stones used as artwork.
Also: How to Add Pops of Color to Your Home
6. Something That Says “Touch Me”
Tactile elements have become more important than ever in interior styling. These are the pieces that make a room feel welcoming rather than just looking good in photos. After years of studying how people interact with spaces, I’ve noticed that rooms with touchable elements keep people engaged longer and create stronger emotional connections.
“Pillows are icing on the cake, cherry on top of the sundae, they bring the house to life by adding color, texture, comfort, and style.” Says Kathryn Lott, owner and designer of Kathryn Lott Design.
Creating a touchable room requires thinking in layers:
First layer – Soft textures:
- Chunky knit throws
- Velvet pillows
- Sheepskin throws
- Woven textiles
Second layer – Interesting surfaces:
- Hammered metals
- Carved wood
- Textured wallpaper
- Rough stonework
The psychology behind touch: Research shows that rooms with varied textures are perceived as more expensive and thoughtfully designed than those without, even when using the same quality of materials.
Remember: The goal isn’t to create a tactile overload, but rather to strategically place touchable elements where people naturally want to interact with them. Think about the places where people tend to pause in a room – these are your prime locations for tactile interest.
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7. Something Personal
A room without personality is like a story without characters – technically complete, but utterly forgettless. Personal elements are the secret sauce that transforms a decorated space into a true home. These aren’t just decorations; they’re conversations waiting to happen.
“Organizing a few items from a recent or favorite trip on a tray designated for the coffee table or curating a little tabletop vignette with various saved objects.” Says designer Josh Pickering of Pickering House suggests
Personal doesn’t mean cluttered. It means intentional. Think of your personal elements as curated snapshots of your life:
- Family heirlooms with real history
- Travel souvenirs that spark memories
- Collections that reveal something about you
- Artwork that means something beyond just matching the couch
Designer’s insight: The most compelling personal pieces often have an imperfect quality. A slightly chipped pottery piece from a memorable trip. A handwritten note framed uniquely. These tell a story that perfect, mass-produced items never could.
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8. The Statement Piece
Every room needs a rockstar – that one element that makes people stop and say “wow.” A statement piece isn’t about being loud or expensive. It’s about being memorable, unexpected, and authentically you.
Think of a statement piece like the lead singer in a band. It needs to be:
- Bold
- Confident
- Perfectly positioned
- Supported by complementary elements
Pro tip: Your statement piece can be almost anything. A massive vintage map. An oversized abstract painting. A sculptural chair. An unexpected color on a single wall. The magic is in the commitment.
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Bringing It All Together: Your Styling Transformation Guide
You’ve now got the eight essential interior styling tips and secrets professional designers use to create unforgettable spaces. But here’s the real magic – these aren’t rigid rules. They’re flexible guidelines that invite your creativity.
Implementation Strategy:
- Start with one room
- Choose 3-4 of these secrets
- Don’t overthink it
- Have fun with the process
Remember: Interior styling isn’t about following someone else’s rules. It’s about creating a space that tells your unique story. These eight secrets are your roadmap, but your personal creativity is the real destination.
Ready to transform your space? Take a deep breath. Trust yourself. And start playing.
Interior Styling Tips and Secrets- Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to be wealthy to create a beautifully styled space?
A: Absolutely not. These secrets work at every budget. Creativity trumps cash every single time.
Q: How do I know if I’m doing it right?
A: If the room makes you feel something – happiness, calm, excitement – you’ve succeeded. Design is about emotion, not perfection.
Q: Can I mix these secrets in one room?
A: Not only can you, but you should! The most interesting rooms blend multiple styling elements.
Q: How often should I update my styling?
A: Think seasons, not trends. Small tweaks (like changing throw pillows or rotating art) can refresh a space without a complete overhaul.
Q: What if I’m afraid of making a mistake?
A: In design, there are no mistakes – only unexpected opportunities. Be brave, be curious, and trust your instincts.
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